Key Takeaways
- There will be no BMW Z4 M due to cost-cutting & technology challenges in fitting advanced performance systems.
- Limited sales of the Z4 may have hindered the possibility of future performance upgrades.
- The good news is Toyota may introduce Supra GRMN with S58 engine, as hinted by recent spy shots on the Nürburgring.
A BMW Z4 M isn’t happening according to a new report from BMWBlog which has trusted sources close to the Z4 program. Rumors have been swirling for some time that the German company was considering a more powerful Z4 model that would see the twin-turbo S58 straight-six plugged into the brand’s roadster, but it looks like those weren’t much more than wishful thinking from the enthusiast faithful.
2023 BMW Z4 M40i Roadster
- MSRP
-
$65,300
- Engine
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3.0L Turbo Inline-6 Gas
- Transmission
-
8-Speed Automatic
- Horsepower
-
382 hp
- Torque
-
369 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
We’ve known as much since Carbuzz spoke to the head of the Z4 project, Michael Wimbeck, last year, but this didn’t stop many from hoping the company could find a way to make it happen. Unfortunately, the days of making an M version of every product in the stable are long gone, as cost-cutting has forced automakers to only put their money where it counts.
It’s Just Not Worth It
The process of turning the Z4 into a full-fledged M car isn’t as straightforward as it used to be, as the advanced performance systems now take much more configuration to fit into a given package. The S58 is coupled with BMW’s M Integrated Braking System which uses a compact module that allows M models like the M3 or M4 to adjust their braking precisely between two pedal feelings. Squeezing this under the hood while also accounting for the extra cooling essentially made the project a no-go before it could even start, according to Wimbeck.
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The Z4 was always going to be a low-volume model, but its sales may have come in below what BMW was expecting. The fact that there was a manual version is a miracle in and of itself and may have only been possible due to the Supra already utilizing one for the past couple of years. Now that the two models will be driving off into the sunset in 2026, the likelihood of any more performance out of the Z4 is just about zero.
What About the Supra?
So what does this mean for the long-rumored Supra GRMN? Not much, unfortunately. While the Z4 and the Supra were developed and are produced together, the two companies have already shown they’re not following the same playbook, with the Supra receiving a manual first being a perfect example. Given its slight sales advantage and faithful following, the company appears to want a hotter version, and recent spy shots of a suspected GRMN model on the Nürburgring may indicate testing is in progress.
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The model showed additional venting on the hood that would indicate it’s receiving the S58. It also featured a new wing on the rear for increased downforce. No other information has been released, as we imagine Toyota would want something like this kept under tight wraps, but perhaps the company feels the storied model deserves a proper sendoff given another generation is anything but guaranteed.
Source: BMWBlog